A learned and very useful commentary on the whole epistle to the Hebrews wherein every word and particle in the original is explained ... : being the substance of thirty years Wednesdayes lectures at Black-fryers, London / by that holy and learned divine Wiliam Gouge ... : before which is prefixed a narrative of his life and death : whereunto is added two alphabeticall tables ...

§. 39. Of the Doctrines arising out of the 2, 3, & 4. verses of the second Chapter.

I. MOtive may be added to motive. To that motive in the former verse, taken from the dammage of no•…•… heeding the Gospel in these verses, another mo∣tive is added, taken from the vengeance that will follow thereupon. For men are hardly brought to beleeve Divine truths.

II. Suppositions may imply unquestionable truths. The manner of the Apostles ar∣guing by way of supposition, If, proveth as much. See §. 8.

III. Angels were of old Gods Ministers to his Church. They spake his word. See §. 10.

IV. Gods Word is stedfast. So is it here expresly said to be. See §. 11, 12.

V. Divine vengeance may be a motive to forbear sinne. The inference of the ven∣geance upon the word spoken, proves as much: for it is here to that very end al∣leadged.

VI. There are different kindes of sin. The distinction betwixt transgression and disobedience imports thus much. See §. 14.

VII N•…•… sinne shall pass unrevenged. This generall particle, every, intends this.

VIII. Pknishment is due to transgression. It is therefore stiled a recompence of re∣ward. See §. 16.

IX. Divine vengeance is most just. So it is here expresly said to be. See § 17.

X Transgressors shall receive vengeance will they nill they. This verb, received, in∣timates this point. See §. 17.

XI. Revenge of sinne is most sure. This interrogative HOW, intimates as much. See §. 18.

XII. There are degrees of sinne and judgement. The inference of the later part of the comparison upon the former, declares the truth of this point. For neglect of the Gospel is made a greater sin then neglect of the Law: and a greater judgement is thereupon inferred. See §. 18.

XIII. It is very dangerous to neglect the Gospel. There is no way of escaping for such. See §. 19.

XIV. The greatest as well as the meanest falling into the same sinne, are liable to the same judgement. This pronoun WE, includes the Apostle himself and all to whom he wrote. See §. 18.

XV. The Gospel brings salvation. It is thereupon stiled Salvation. See §. 20.

XVI. The salvation brought by the Gospel is very great. This word, So great, in∣tends as much. It is far greater then that which by the Ministry under the Law was brought to people. See §. 21.

XVII. Christ was a Preacher. He is here said to Preach. See §. 22.

XVIII. The Word is made profitable by Preaching. For this end Christ Preached it. See §. 23.

XIX. Christ was the first Preacher of the Gospel. This is here expresly asserted▪ See §. 24.

XX. God would have his word confirmed. See §. 25.

XXI. Many Preachers of the same truth confirm it the more. Thus by other Preach∣ers, the Gospel which Christ first Preached, was confirmed. See §. 25.

XXII. Apostles succeeded Christ. These were they who heard him. See §. 26.

XXIII. Preachers confirm the Gospel to others. It was confirmed unto us, saith the Text. See §. 27.

XXIV. God addeth his witnesse to the Ministry of his servants. This is here expres∣ly set down. See §. 28.

XXV. God only can work miracles. This is here set down as Gods proper Act. See §. 28.

XXVI. Miracles are above the power of creatures. This followeth from the for∣mer by just consequence. See §. 29.

XXVII. Works are witnesses to Gods Word. God by his works bare witnesse to his Apostles. See §. 30.

XXVIII. Signes by visible objects confirm Divine matters.

XXIX. Wonders by the strangenesse of them do the like.

XXX. Miracles also do so by a Divine power manifested in them. These three last Doctrines arise out of the notation of those words, Signes, Wonders, Miracles. See §. 31, 32.

XXXI. Divers miracles were wrought to confirm the Gospel. See §. 34.

XXXII. Mens gifts are of the holy Ghost. He gives them, 1 Cor. 12. 11. Therefore they are here stiled, Gifts of the holy Ghost. See §. 35.

XXXIII. Extraordinary gifts were abundantly given at the first preaching of the Gospel. The Church had then need of them. See §. 35.

XXXIV. Gifts of the holy Ghost were confirmations of the Gospel. They are in this respect here joyned with miracles. See §. 35.

XXXV. Mens Functions and abilities are of God. Ibid.

XXXVI. The Gospel had greater confirmation then the Law. See §. 36.

XXXVII. God hath no other rule then his own will. This relative, His own, implies as much.

XXXVIII. God orders mens parts and places according to his will. See §. 37.

Notes

• Verse 3.
• Verse 4.